Destination Weddings In The Caribbean: 5 Terrific Options
Choosing a place for a destination wedding means, above all else, picking a place where the bride and groom will be happiest. It’s their day, and while it’s worthwhile to consider everyone else’s satisfaction too, the big occasion should be all about the happy couple. Provided consideration of personal preference though, it can always be fun for couples to read up on different destination ideas so as to find some inspiration. And let’s be honest: a lot of people picture the Caribbean when they first start to consider a wedding abroad.
With this said, these are some terrific options that may be among the most appealing spots in the Caribbean to plan a wedding.
1. St. Lucia
There’s simply no sense in trying to determine which Caribbean paradise is the most visually appealing. However, if one tried to do so, St. Lucia would have to be considered among the best of the best! It’s an island revolving around two mountain peaks and the lush forests, beautiful bays, beaches and villages around their bases. This is a destination more about natural attractions than commercial ones; there are rainforest walks, excellent scuba and snorkel opportunities, hikes, and views that guests will remember for a lifetime. Additionally however, St. Lucia may just be home to the best wedding (or honeymoon) resort in all of the Caribbean. The Jade Mountain Resort, while not cheap, is one of the most romantic retreats in the world, at once wholly integrated with the natural surroundings and overflowing with luxury. It’s an incredible place to base a wedding trip, particularly if y
ou have a smaller group traveling.
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the larger Caribbean islands, and has something of a reputation for being among the more developed. This comes in part because it’s a territory of the United States, though there’s some truth to the notion given the city of San Juan. One of the bigger cities in the Caribbean, it’s a wonderful mix of more developed urban areas and remnants of a colonial past, and it’s actually a very charming and authentic place to stay for an island wedding. The city is right on the coast and there are several beautiful places you might be able to hold your ceremony in town. That said, because Puerto Rico is fairly large and has its fair share of beach towns and resort areas, you basically have your pick of Caribbean atmospheres here. You can find a secluded beach or a high-end resort, stick to San Juan, or even head to the country’s interior and stay in a more densely wooded area for more of an inner-island appeal.
3. Aruba
Aruba is, in a word, awesome, which is probably why it’s actually become something of a hub for destination weddings in the area. There are now several known venues favored for weddings, and typically showcasing the more luxurious side of the island. As to that, Aruba has a little bit of everything. The beaches are pristine and endlessly appealing for those seeking relaxation, but also offer action sports for some of your more adventurous guests (the island’s wind patterns make it a hub for kitesurfing, windsurfing, etc.). And while some of the prettier parts of the island give you the feeling you’ve stepped right up to the edge of the map, there are by now several fancy and spectacular resorts. Ultimately it’s a great place where you can have relatively traditional wedding while your guests have the freedom to spend the rest of the trip exploring any part of the island they wish.
4. Bahamas
The Bahamas are as beautiful as any place in the Caribbean, and offer a little bit of everything discussed regarding the above destinations. However it stands out in particular because of the sprawling complex that is the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. This is first and foremost a casino hotel, which is in itself something of a speciality idea these days. As a guide to casino gaming online writes, the industry in the UK is as attractive and lucrative as it is in Las Vegas, and these online games have quickly spread around the world. Atlantis still does things the old-fashioned way though, with a massive in-person casino floor that could be just the ticket if you have a fun-loving crowd. The same resort offers its own beaches, a huge pool and water park area, and multiple hotels’ worth of luxury rooms. It’s a tad more commercial than some other options, but if you want everything taken care of – including your guests’ a
musement on either side of the actual wedding event – it’s certainly worth keeping on your list.
5. Dominican Republic
If there is a trendiest island in the Caribbean, it may in fact be the Dominican Republic, which seems to have been written up at about 100 different travel blogs in recent years as a place people are starting to visit more frequently. Now, it’s almost a little bit like Puerto Rico in its mix of attractions: beautiful natural areas and tucked away beaches, resorts, and colonial towns. If you’re looking for a more commercial area where you can enjoy some of the benefits just mentioned regarding the Bahamas, look to the Punta Cana area. If a more remote Caribbean getaway appeals to you, look to the more western parts of the country. Either way, it’s a beautiful, interesting, and purely enjoyable destination.
